The bill amends the Social Welfare Act of 1939 by adding a new section, 109t, which mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services provide coverage for syringe service programs under the medical assistance program. These programs are defined as harm reduction initiatives that offer a variety of services aimed at individuals who inject drugs.

Specifically, the bill outlines that syringe service programs will provide new, unused hypodermic needles and syringes, as well as other essential injection drug use supplies, including cookers, tourniquets, alcohol wipes, and sharps waste disposal containers. This legislative change aims to enhance public health by supporting harm reduction strategies for drug users.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 400.1, 400.119